Exchange Rate and Fees

Hi all

We're leaving on the Jewel next month for 14 days and will be getting cash in local currencies (Fijian dollar, Vatu and CPF). Just deciding on whether to do that on land before leaving or onboard.

Last time we did it onboard and it wasn't too bad. However, we now can't remember if there were fees, etc.

Can someone remind me please:

1. If there are fees (including to convert leftover cash back to $A); and

2. If the exchange rate matches the ASX.

Thanks for your help,

Mark.

On board they tend to hit you on the exchange rate, either get some before you leave or withdraw in port.

There aren't fees onboard.

However, any time you change money, whether bank, currency exchange or onboard, they need to cover the costs of their staff, accounting and handling the money, so the exchange rate is adjusted for that.

Given those currencies aren't in high demand locally, they are hard to get here, and the exchange rate is unlikely to be good. It's usually better on board as everyone's trading the same currencies. If you can get it ashore from an ATM it may be better due to the high volumes. Many ship serving merchants will accept AUD as well for purchases from themselves, and often give a reasonable rate.

Thankyou for your replies. Our main reason for wanting local currency (something we've never bothered with before) is that many sellers advertise goods in both local currency and $A, with the $A price being much, much higher.

To give a funny example (but a very typical one), we were in Lifou in 2011. A vendor was selling "Banana Flitters" (that's correct). In local currency, they were 100 CPF or around $1.20-$1.30. Pay $A and they were $2.00.

Now, to pay that bit extra for a "flitter" is not a big deal. But when you're looking at more expensive items, the price difference can be significant.

Thanks again,

Mark.